Issac Luke ends short stay at St George Illawarra Dragons to join up with Brisbane Broncos
Issac Luke’s Dragons stint lasted just three games, the veteran rake on his way to join the injury ravaged Broncos for the rest of the year. But coach Paul McGregor isn’t worried others will follow him out the door.
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Issac Luke has left the Dragons to join Brisbane but coach Paul McGregor has played down fears of a player exodus.
Luke’s stint at St George Illawarra lasted just three games with the veteran rake on his way to join the injury ravaged Broncos for the rest of the year. There are discussions for the Broncos to keep Luke until next season on a minimal deal.
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He could start as early as next week with Brisbane’s first choice hooker Jake Turpin sidelined. Luke won’t play for the Dragons against the Sharks on Sunday which could lead to a re-shuffle of the 17 and mean Ben Hunt spends time at hooker.
“Isaac came and saw me a couple of weeks ago about a few matters,” McGregor said. “Nothing to do with mine and his relationships. It’s about some other things. He asked for a release two weeks ago. “We spoke about it again this week.
“The reason he came to the club was to support Cameron (McInnes) and Cameron was coming back from a broken leg. The whole thought process was to be the back-up to Cameron and play some interchange footy.”
While McGregor confirmed Luke’s departure he bristled at claims a host of Dragons could join him at the exit. Winger Jason Saab has had a request to leave the club denied twice while Matt Dufty and Tristan Sailor have been linked with moves elsewhere.
McGregor said this was untrue.
“Matt Dufty has never been raised,” McGregor said. “I’ve known Tristan a lot longer than I have been a first grade coach. There is no truth in that. He was in around the conversation about playing this week.
“Jason I spoke to and if Jason could speak with you … We’ve got a very good relationship. There is nothing between him and I.
“Am I concerned about conversations about players leaving, the answer is no because there is not much truth.”
A hastily convened board meeting on Tuesday led to the Dragons publicly declaring their support for McGregor despite the club sitting at the bottom of the premiership ladder. McGregor said he did not fear for his future.
“I’m comfortable in what I’m doing at the club. I have the support of the players, staff and now the board,” McGregor said. “We’re not getting results and I expect some pressure to come with that. Am I worried about things I can’t control? No.
“I am always thankful for the support and standing with me and trusting me. I thought that was very good. I had a good conversation with the board after they made their decision. Now it’s about getting on with the job.”
Meanwhile, McGregor reiterated his view the NRL should be covering the cost of Jack de Belin’s wage while their star forward is sidelined ahead of his next court appearance on June 22.